Centenary Celebrates MLK Day 2008 with Special Convocation Jan. 21

SHREVEPORT, LA — On a cold and cloudy January morning, Centenary College celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special convocation Monday, Jan. 21 that paid tribute to the life and struggles of Dr. King with words of praise, dance and song.

“I love this time of year when I hear the excerpts of Dr. King ‘I have a Dream’ speech on television,” said Dr. Darrel Colson, Provost of Centenary College, to those gathered at Brown Chapel on the College campus. “When I hear the last four or five minutes, it often transfixes me and it never fails to inspire.”

The program also featured Reverend Doyle R. Adams Sr., pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Benton, La. After his introduction by Dione Wren, President of the Minority Student Association, Rev. Adams shared the story of his life growing up, his seizing opportunities as they were presented and how he turned those opportunities into success.

“Never let failure or criticism stop you from your dream,” he said. “When you succeed and overcome obstacles, people don’t see you for the color of your skin but for the person you have become. Three points to always remember to being successful in everything you do are ‘Decide, Believe and Take Responsibility.’”

Other highlights of the program included the Union Springs Baptist Church Youth Ensemble, “Pebbles of Faith,” when they performed the liturgical dance to “Matthew 28,” and the moving acappella rendition of Blessed Assurance by Centenary Senior Nolan Budgewater ’08.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Colson reminded the students, faculty and staff to “Make this day—tomorrow—and the day after that—the day we live out the true meaning of our shared creed as Americans.”

“Let us all have the courage to be ‘outsiders’…and right injustices wherever it plants itself,” he said.

These photos are just some of the faces taking part in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation.

About Centenary

Centenary College of Louisiana is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South.